[Nfb-editors] QUE PASA September 2012

Wed Sep 5 02:14:12 UTC 2012

QUE PASA

September 2012

Quarterly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico

(Published in March, June, September, and December)

Adelmo Vigil, President

E-mail:  <mailto:Avigil74 at gmail.com> Avigil74 at gmail.com

(575) 434-8391

James Babb, Editor

E-mail:  <mailto:jim.babb at samobile.net> jim.babb at samobile.net

(505) 792-9777

Tonia Trapp, Assistant Editor

E-mail:  <mailto:Tonialeigh513 at earthlink.net> Tonialeigh513 at earthlink.net

(505) 856-5346

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE

EDITOR'S NOTE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A QUICK LOOK AT THE 2012 NFB CONVENTION

CARPE DIEM

NATIONAL CONVENTION FROM A DISTANCE

ICE CREAM, KIDS, AND FEDERATIONISTS

IS THERE NO END TO THE IGNORANCE ABOUT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

THE UNIVERSE

AUTUMN IN NEW MEXICO 

GOOD EATING

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PREAMBLE

The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico (NFBNM) is a 501 (c) 3
consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to
changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often
a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our own personal experience
that with training and opportunity, it can be reduced to the level of a
physical nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive services and
training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children
receive the advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to
be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means
that people have both rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to
see that blind people become first-class citizens of these United States,
enjoying their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most
serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with
discrimination based on the public's ignorance and misinformation about
blindness. Join us in educating New Mexicans about the abilities and
aspirations of New Mexico's blind citizens.

(Adapted from NFB of Ohio newsletter.) 

EDITOR'S NOTE

By Jim Babb

We have some nice articles about the National Convention in Dallas from some
of those who attended: Adelmo, Veronica and Pat. We also have an article
from Raquel who attended from a distance via live streaming on her computer.
We also have a nice recipe, a couple of poems, useful websites and meetings
and announcements. 

Thanks everyone for the contributions and much thanks to Tonia Trapp for her
help in putting everything together.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Adelmo Vigil

Greetings:

Those of us who attended the National Convention in Dallas this summer would
agree that we had a great convention. There were so many seminars that it
was difficult to decide which one to attend. The convention agenda was also
very interesting and informative. We had 32 New Mexicans register for the
convention this year. I want to thank Al and Mary Carter for coordinating
the schedule for coverage of the exhibit hall table. I also want to thank
everyone that worked at the table and helped make it a success.

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the board decided to create a chapter
at large in New Mexico. We conducted conference call meetings in June, July
and August and hope to continue increasing the participation in these
meetings.

The NM State Fair Parade is coming up on Saturday September 15. We are
planning to be marching and want to invite as many NFB members from across
the state as possible to join us. We will send an e-mail message with
details as we get closer to the date of the parade. 

A leadership seminar has been scheduled for Saturday September 29 from 9:00
AM to 4:00 PM for all state board members, chapter board members and
division board members. We will e-mail details regarding this seminar in
September.

We will be calling on members of each local chapter and division to help us
move forward and grow as an affiliate. We will continue to change what it
means to be blind for children, youth and adults of all ages in New Mexico.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE 2012 NFB CONVENTION

By Pat Munson

Well, we are safely back from the NFB convention in Dallas, Texas. We had
stayed at the convention hotel three times before, so we knew what to
expect. However, there were some big changes in one lobby: more meeting
rooms were built, and a take-out food place was added along with two
reflecting pools with seating scattered about.

The hotel is in two connected parts; from the end of one lobby to the end of
the other is a quarter of a mile. Also, the lobbies are as wide as they are
long. Lovely sculptures are displayed around the edges. For instance, one
sculpture shows Louis 14 sitting upon his horse, while another portrays some
white stone horses running across a bridge. A very wealthy family donated
the art to this hotel. Two elephants at least fifteen feet tall guard the
entrance to the ballroom. The Republican Party held its convention in this
hotel some time in the past. Only in good old Texas would one find such
large sculptures to enhance a convention.

This vast place had only one dining room. These days many folks simply want
to go to a take-out place with a few salads, sandwiches and so on. So, some
of the time we ate this stuff in our room. We could not eat in the
restaurant for under one-hundred US dollars. Of course, the price included
wine.

Saying all this meant one had to plan enough time to find meetings in
smaller rooms. For example, I went to two meetings for seniors losing vision
and they were in different rooms. At certain times there could be fifty
meetings going on at once: some for parents of blind children, teens,
college students, those interested in Apple and other tech stuff, you get
the picture.

The convention started on a Saturday, and smaller meetings were held for
three days. New Mexicans met for a caucus one evening. The major topic was
who would work in the exhibit hall and at what times. New Mexico delegates
sold chile pistachios. 

Then Tuesday through Thursday the convention ran six hours per day. The
government provides library services, so they had a meeting during lunch
time on one day, as did some computer groups. As you can tell, there was
never a free moment.

This was a very busy convention and I got tired from time to time. We did
find time to chat with many of our friends from around the country, but we
gave up trying to eat with them all. It was too noisy in the dining room and
many did not want to pay those prices.

We are very glad to be home where everything seems so easy. Also, this
retirement place is tiny after being in that huge hotel. I wonder what it
costs to keep the place cool. Texas has to have everything vast, and this
hotel definitely fit the bill, as did the convention itself.

CARPE DIEM

By Veronica Smith

As our plane landed at the Love Field Airport in Dallas, Texas for the NFB
National Convention, I was thinking, enjoy your quiet time as our madness is
about to begin!

As we walked off the plane, Josh Brownell, Gabriella and I took a deep
breath! The sounds were deceiving, it sounded quiet and calm, but as we made
our way toward the baggage pick-up, the sounds were not quiet, not calm, but
buzzing! We made our way out the door, hailed a Yellow Checker cab and
headed toward the Hilton Anatole! As we pulled into the driveway, Gabriella
said, "Oh my goodness, look at all those white canes!" We entered paradise,
we entered madness!

Gabriella and I settled ourselves on the 7th floor of the atrium where
sounds bounced upward: laughter, squeals, voices and the distinct sound of
tap, tap tap! Originally we had planned a trip to the shopping mall, as my
silly daughter forgot her everyday shoes at the Girl Scout camp somewhere
near Cuba, New Mexico. But as we made our way around the hotel, learning
where this and that was, she decided that her big ol' hiking boots were just
fine as she didn't want to miss a single moment of this adventure. She said,
"Carpe diem!" I asked, "What?" She said, "Seize the day."

We met good friends for lunch at the Media Grill, which like most hotel
restaurants was a bit too pricey, but the company was perfect. We then made
our way to our first event, the Blind Crafters Arts and Craft Show. We
enjoyed looking at the wares and of course, we couldn't resist buying this
and that. Later that afternoon, we met some new friends April and Jim
Enderton from Iowa and their children, and Gabriella was delighted to know
someone her age. Our plans quickly changed and off to the pool we went.

Sunday morning, we attended the catholic mass that filled the Stemmons
Ballroom at 6:30 AM, then joined friends for breakfast. I so love meeting
friends for breakfast, because when you do, you run into peeps that used to
live in New Mexico, like Carlos Servan. 

After that wonderful meeting and okay breakfast, we dashed off to Arts for
All Ages where Gabriella and I enjoyed playing with clay. The sighted
children worked alongside of their blind parents and vice versa as we all
created cute things to bring home. Later that afternoon, Gabriella and I
attended a fashion show put on by POBC. One of our own made her way down the
runway, Aariana De Dios. She along with many other children felt proud to be
there! 

That evening we came together with our New Mexico members at our caucus,
checking who was here, who was not, who would work our table and when. Then
we split up and went off to more meetings. I attended the seminar for
Membership Building and enjoyed every moment of it. Wow, I have a lot to
share.

Monday morning, Kay Boyd, Gabriella and I worked our exhibit table. We sold
red and green chile pistachios and some NMABS T-shirts. I almost lost my
voice yelling! But that's what makes it so much fun. Right next to us at the
Michigan table, I ran into another New Mexican, Doug Boone. It was like old
times! After our shift was up, Kay left and Gabriella and I cruised the
exhibit hall, touching and listening to many exciting new things. I left $82
poorer but I had what I came for: a dozen cane tips, sock holders and a new
watch! Gabriella also left with what she came for: 2 new T-shirts and an
iPad stand! We also helped the Merchants Division out by buying snack packs!
Not always healthy goodies, but still a must.

We then joined Kay again and ordered Chinese food and off I went again to
Back to Basics in chapter building and Gabriella and Kay were off and
running to the play. Afterwards we came together for a late dinner and to
discuss what we learned!

Tuesday morning, the general session opened with a bang! Wow, what a
wonderful feeling to be part of it again. Ten years had passed since I
enjoyed such excitement! Tuesday evening, Gabriella and I enjoyed the Texas
Barbecue. We had brisket, chicken, corn, coleslaw, potato salad, corn bread,
honey butter, peach cobbler and pecan pie. JD Williams and his music filled
the park and we had a marvelous time listening to him and visiting with new
friends.

Wednesday was the business meeting, which I don't think I had ever been to.
Elections took place and I am happy to say Dr. Maurer and Dr. Schroeder are
still at the top to guide us along. And then came the interesting part:
resolutions, 26 of them and only an hour left in the day. They decided to
read the "therefore be it resolved" part and if anyone had questions, they
could ask for the whole thing to be read. Anyway, it was really interesting
and exciting and I am glad I went. 

Afterwards, Gabriella and I met the Endertons and the Hammels and blasted
over to Buck's Burgers for some good BBQ on the 4th of July. Then, you know
how crazy I am, our friends decided to go swimming and my darling daughter
wanted to watch fireworks, so I came out looking for a cab and found a Town
Car and a driver who was happy to take us to the fireworks display for a
price. He took us there, but since there were so many peeps there and our
driver didn't like the neighborhood, he stayed with us, didn't charge us
very much and we all had a marvelous time!

The general session on Thursday was again filled with many interesting
stories, and when it was over, I dashed out so the room could be readied for
the banquet. I sat at table 141 with Lucy Alexander, Juan Haro, Denise
Otero, Mary and Al Carter, and Aaron and Frances Benally. The energy wafted
through the room as our Master of Ceremonies talked, indeed Dr. Schroeder is
a great one to listen to. As a special bonus we got to listen to Jessica
Bachicha sing! After that, we heard yet another great presentation by Dr.
Maurer. The room exploded with cheers and chants as he ended our convention
for 2012! 

NATIONAL CONVENTION FROM A DISTANCE

By Raquel Aguirre, Treasurer, West Mesa Chapter

The first and only NFB National Convention I attended was in the late
1990's. I worked during one summer for the Colorado Center for the Blind. As
part of our summer job requirement, the NFB CCB sent me and other job
coaches on a trip to the National Convention to monitor our blind students.
I knew nothing of the NFB back then. Since then, I have become a little
older and a bit more informed about the NFB.

This year, I attended the NFB National Convention via live streaming! I want
to let our membership know that this was an awesome experience for me. Some
might argue that actually being there physically sitting in each scheduled
session was more exciting, energizing, and informative for the over 2000
attendees and does not compare with my experience. However, I truly believe
I was just as excited, energized, and informed as the rest of the NFB
family! 

Thank you Tonia Trapp, had it not been for your National Convention updates
via e-mail I would have never even known live streaming existed. I
appreciate the commitment of the national organization to make this possible
for those of us who were unable to travel to Texas. My resolve to be a proud
member of the Federation has been made stronger. Perhaps live streaming has
been a part of National Convention before, but if so, this was the first
time I had heard about it.

All the speeches were inspiring, informative, and eye-opening. Each orator
in one way or another helped me understand more about myself as a part of a
whole that has only become better as time goes on. Each day of the
convention, I linked into the stream and turned up the volume. Summer time
allows me to change hats from busy teacher to busy mom with never-ending
responsibilities here at home. For instance, I made breakfast for my kids as
Mr. Adelmo Vigil, our state president, came to the microphone. As he spoke
during his few minutes of cyber-fame, during the "Roll Call of States,' I
felt proud to be from New Mexico and felt a sense of joy to recognize the
names of people he mentioned. When he listed those who were present and
would be representing New Mexico, I thought to myself, "Adelmo and New
Mexico rock!"

As I was washing morning dishes, Brianne Kotschwar won a door prize. Of
course I had to stop to text her with motherly advice: "congrats on the door
prize, spend it wisely." Almost immediately my cell phone buzzed with her
response: "Thanks, I will." 

Later, as I was sweeping floors, I had to just stop and sing the National
Anthem loud and proud! I was using the broom handle as a microphone stand,
singing off key, and amusing my children in the process! After a while, I
just sat and listened, to show my respect for blind veterans from across our
nation. I listened as each veteran introduced him or herself and told what
branch of the military they represented and the years they served. When Mr.
Art Schreiber came to the microphone, my kids said, "Don't we know him?" I
said, "Yes, we do" with silent tears rolling down my cheeks, pride just
gushing to be an American and Federationist. As more information was
presented, I was able to compose myself and continued my day with the
speaker volume turned up loud enough to hear around the house. 

Anyone who has ever met Jessica Bachicha knows that she has incredible
talent and is an amazing role model for blind youth and adults around New
Mexico. Years later, I am proud to say I had the privilege to work with her
when we were a part of the New Mexico Association of Blind Students. As Dr.
Maurer told her story from birth to Ph.D., I wondered how many other New
Mexicans were thinking, "Jessica is one of our own. Yahoo!" 

Of course anyone who understands NFB knows things are done well and in a
grand fashion. So I tuned in to the banquet, because by the end of the
convention, I could not get enough of this live streaming stuff. While
Jessica sang I know I could not have been the only person to have chills
tingling down my spine! "Outstanding" is a word that doesn't even come close
to describing her performance! Although we did not have any national
scholarship winners this year, I know New Mexico is capable of producing
future winners, as we have done so in the past.

When the question, "How was convention?" is asked, I will absolutely believe
them when the response is a resounding "awesome!" because it really was.

I realize the importance of a clean house, but I know putting those
responsibilities aside for a week won't hurt. One year soon, I hope to sit
with fellow New Mexicans during general sessions to listen to speeches that
will excite, energize, and inform this NFB member even further. Until that
day comes, I will plan to link into live streaming so I don't miss out. I
say to those of you who can't attend future national conventions, take
advantage of this completely free and very accessible means to be a part of
it all. Though it is from a distance, you will get the feeling you indeed
are there and belong to a great organization.

ICE CREAM, KIDS, AND FEDERATIONISTS

By Nancy Burns

The West Mesa chapter of the NFB continues to organize innovative events in
order to raise much needed funds. The most recent fund-raiser, held on July
14th, 2012, was an ice cream social. The practice for these events has been
for the hosts to provide food, etc. and to request donations from attendees.
More than $200 was raised during the ice cream event. Don and Nancy Burns
provided the ice cream, venue, and decorations. Caroline and Diego Benavidez
provided a wide variety of toppings which included flavored syrups, nuts,
and fresh fruit. Chapter president, Veronica Smith, greeted guests at the
door and showed them to the kitchen area where Caroline and Nancy were
scooping ice cream and passing the bowls to Don who took requests for
toppings while joking with parents and children. 

The success of these events climbs when fund-raising is combined with fun
and even some education. Parents, grandparents, and other relatives
accompanied their blind kids. It was a positive learning experience for both
relatives and children to see blind people hosting such an event. Members of
the West Mesa chapter circulated through the group answering questions and
handing out NFB literature. Many of these parents expressed interest in
joining the West Mesa chapter, providing another plus for the afternoon
social. 

Funds raised by the West Mesa chapter provide a number of services for blind
youth and adults. The more money raised, the more services and opportunities
are available for the blind and visually impaired people in the community.
As blind people served, greeted, mixed and mingled, this event provided
another shining example of how the Federation philosophy is communicated by
actions rather than words. 

IS THERE NO END TO THE IGNORANCE ABOUT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

By Deborah Kendrick

(Reprinted from the June 24, 2012 issue of the Columbus Dispatch)

Most of us know how to sort the informational wheat from the chaff, but when
the chaff--i.e., total malarkey--is up-close and personal, it's hard to
ignore. Two printed falsehoods this week have me asking, "When is it going
to stop?" The first was a passage in a book review which appeared in the San
Francisco Chronicle. Reviewing a memoir by a blind woman, Candia McWilliam,
reviewer Jane Juska writes: "Worse things can befall a person, but for a
reader and a writer, blindness tops the list. ... A functional result of
blindness is that McWilliam carries a white cane, bumps into things, falls
down, breaks an ankle, an arm, is covered with bruises, and sports a black
eye; in short, she is a danger to herself even though at this point in her
life, thanks to AA, she is sober." 

So much is wrong with this pair of statements that space doesn't permit
addressing them all. For starters, though, studies have shown that blind
people frequently are more well-read than their sighted counterparts, and
blind writers can be found throughout history. McWilliam's injuries and
mishaps may be a result of that other referenced disability, alcoholism, but
definitely are not a customary accompaniment of vision loss. 

Then, just when I was consoling myself that maybe not many people would read
the review or the book, thus limiting the number of people who would be
exposed to fallacies about the disability of blindness, I saw the story that
had "gone viral" about my friend Becky Andrews being kicked out of a new Ann
Taylor store in Utah. Becky is one of the kindest, gentlest, most positive
people I have ever met. A grief-and-family counselor, a runner, and a
cyclist who has logged thousands of miles on her tandem, she also happens to
have Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. Preparing for a
three-week trip to Europe with her husband, she went into the new Ann Taylor
store for some "fun" new clothes. Her guide dog, Cricket, did her job,
guiding Becky to the counter, and then an employee told her to leave. Becky
tried explaining that Cricket is a guide dog, legally allowed to accompany
her human into any public place, but the employee wasn't interested. Later,
after shopping at The Limited, where she was treated well, Becky's blog,
Cruisin' with Cricket, told the tale. Salt Lake TV and radio picked up the
story, thousands of readers visited the blog, and the store at first tried
to claim that Cricket wasn't wearing a harness. And that was, you might say,
the mother of all falsehoods. I knew my friend wouldn't have gone shopping
without the harness. What would be the point? Your guide dog can't guide
without its harness. Well, the store has since apologized and retracted that
no-harness comment as a mistake, and Becky Andrews, being the remarkable
human that she is, says all she wants to come of it is that the humiliation
and disappointment she experienced never happen to anyone else. 

Where I get stuck is how these samples of misinformation can even exist in
21st-century America. How can a literate writer and reader of books honestly
believe that the worst thing that can happen to a writer is blindness, or
that a "functional result" of blindness is to go bumbling around incurring
black eyes, bruises, and broken bones? How can a national retail
establishment not educate its employees to recognize that a dog with a
harness guiding a blind person is not a stray to be kicked out of the store?
The answer, probably, is that with this age of voluminous amounts of
information comes the price of responsibility. Information, in other words,
is useless if each of us forgets to apply to what we read and see and hear
the basic common sense we should already have onboard. 

Deborah Kendrick is a Cincinnati writer and advocate for people with
disabilities. You can e-mail her at  <mailto:dkkendrick at earthlink.net>
dkkendrick at earthlink.net.

THE UNIVERSE

By Richard Derganc

Once the world was perceived, flat to be.

Until an explorer crossed the sea.

Finally was the globe traversed. 

East to West and back to "first."

Now our horizons look to Space.

Stars abound, just raise your face.

Planets seem to naturally align.

But stars exist all over the sky.

The sun is round, the planets too.

The Universe maybe infinite for you.

I think it may also be a sphere!

Where's Magellan when you need him near?

They say that there is missing matter.

I think black holes suck it in.

Into the core that we all circle.

Witnessing explosions from deep within.

All the universe has super-novas.

They explode and expand space.

It's natural, organic and plausible as "hell!"

Imagine standing on an electron, gazing into atomic space.

You might think that's all there is.

Surprise, surprise as you venture forward.

There's a nucleus, but there's no lid.

Atoms become molecules, that's the truth.

Molecules form and continue to grow.

It's natural for them to circle,

And to form things that become round.

Thinking in the third dimension,

Roundness doth become a sphere.

Thinking all might be concentric,

How many layers in 15 billion years?

AUTUMN IN NEW MEXICO 

By Nancy Burns

Green chiles are roasting, a tradition you know,

And hot air balloons create a spectacular show.

The smoke from a fireplace adds to the flavor 

Of autumn in New Mexico, a time we all savor.

The brisk air of fall seems somehow in place

As it beckons the holidays with sparkling grace.

The aroma of pies, pinon coffee and such

Are all gifts of love with a magical touch.

New Mexico presents autumn colors so bold 

As the aspens are changing to yellow and gold.

The best thing of all about this time of year

Is the caring and sharing with those we hold dear.

But just keep in mind all of those who have less

Share your gifts with others--happy holidays, God bless.

GOOD EATING

OVEN "FRIED" CHICKEN LOW FAT 

Submitted by: Veronica Smith

Though not a good summer food as it heats up your already hot kitchen, this
chicken meal is super, especially when it is accompanied with a big green
salad, corn-on-the-cob, and a small slab of butter.

6 chicken legs and thighs, skinned and trimmed of fat 

Milk (skim or low fat) for soaking chicken

1/2 c. plain dry bread or cereal crumbs (I use corn flakes)

1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. dried parsley, flaked, crumbled

1/4 tsp. pepper

Vegetable oil spray, if desired

Place chicken in bowl and cover with milk. Let soak at least 15 minutes or
longer. Combine crumbs, cheese, parsley, and pepper.

One by one, dip soaked chicken in bread mixture coating. Set on greased
baking sheet. Chicken can be sprayed. 

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

If you ever wondered, "Why the milk?" the reason is that it helps lock in
the natural juices!

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

1-888-nagdu411 (888-624-3841) 

A toll-free hotline for guide dog users on current laws and regulations.

1-855-787-2227 

TSA Cares Hotline. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just
set up a hotline to serve passengers with disabilities. Call this number 72
hours before your flight especially if you have items with you related to
your disability such as diabetic or oxygen equipment or certain access
technology that might delay you going through the scanners at the airport.
This hotline is now up and running and is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Eastern Standard Time excluding federal holidays.

travel.registration.gov 

This could be very, very helpful when traveling or cruising abroad,
especially if you lose your passport since your critical info will be
quickly available. 

1-888-247-2425 

New number for the popular Tell Me hotline which gives you weather, scores,
directions, and much more. When you call the old number (800-555-8355) you
will be informed that Tell Me has a new number. 

 <http://www.sfl.org> www.sfl.org 

The popular Ski For Light event for 2013 will be held in Michigan. Go to
this website for details and complete the easy online application, and have
a happy adventure! 

 <http://www.donotcall.com> www.donotcall.com 

Go here to register to block those pesky unwanted calls. You can now also
register your cell phone number.

MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 12-23: New Mexico State Fair, Albuquerque

September 15 (Saturday): The NFB marches in the State Fair Parade,
additional info to follow. 

September 28 and 29: On September 28 there will be a State Board meeting in
Albuquerque followed the next day by a Leadership Seminar for board members,
chapter and division presidents, and board members. More info to follow in
September.

October 6-14: International Balloon Festival, Albuquerque

October 13 (Saturday): Albuquerque and West Mesa Chapters White Cane
Luncheon and ceremonies. Sheraton Uptown from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

November 6 (Tuesday): Voting day. Get out to vote and try those accessible
voting machines or try absentee voting at your home. You can do this by
calling your County Clerk and asking for the absentee forms to be sent to
you. Do this at least 2 or 3 weeks prior to November 6. In Albuquerque the
Clerk's phone number is 468-1290.

November 11: Veterans Day. Let's all honor our Veterans.

November 22: Thanksgiving Day

December 15: West Mesa Chapter Christmas Party. Same place as last year:
Mimmo's Restaurant on Coors Blvd. 